‘Naming and shaming’ of social workers in child protection reporting condemned

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has criticised the practice of naming individual social workers in media coverage of high-profile child protection cases, warning that it risks exposing professionals and their families to threats and abuse while formal investigations are still ongoing.

The association says it has challenged several media organisations over recent reporting of the tragic death of Preston Davey, after members raised concerns that individual social workers were named in articles despite decisions about the case having involved multiple agencies and professionals.

BASW described the approach as “irresponsible” and warned it could contribute to what it called the “court of public opinion” before the completion of statutory safeguarding reviews.

In a statement, BASW said it had been contacted by members alarmed at how some media outlets had reported on the case. The association argued that singling out social workers in this way created significant risks to their safety, both online and offline, while offering little public benefit.

The professional body reiterated its longstanding opposition to the practice, stating that social workers are already subject to established accountability processes when concerns arise about professional conduct or practice.

BASW said it had contacted organisations including the BBC to challenge the reporting and seek assurances that similar approaches would not be repeated. The association has also written to professional bodies across the UK calling for a united response condemning the naming of practitioners ahead of formal investigations.

Professor Sam Baron, BASW’s Interim Chief Executive, said the organisation’s concerns should not detract from the seriousness of the case itself.

“We are all deeply upset and angry at the shocking and sickening murder and abuse of Preston Davey. Our thoughts continue to be with Preston’s family at this difficult time.”

Professor Baron said it was essential that established safeguarding processes were allowed to take place before conclusions were drawn about professional responsibility.

"In such circumstances, it is critical that due process is now allowed to be carried out – meaning a child protection safeguarding review is undertaken and completed – so that we can understand, lessons can be learned and steps taken to prevent this type of tragedy from ever happening again."

She argued that media organisations have a responsibility to report on such cases in a balanced and proportionate way.

“It is not for the media to take this matter into their own hands and, in doing so, risk provoking threats and abuse of social workers. At this time, we need to avoid polarised positions of complex situations. Their priority should be to uphold a duty of care to all involved by reporting on the case sensitively, accurately and fairly.”

While acknowledging that most reporting had been responsible, BASW said it had intervened where coverage appeared likely to fuel hostility towards individual practitioners.

“BASW will not stand for any instances to the contrary and, while the vast majority of media outlets did report sensibly, we have challenged articles that have risked inciting the court of public opinion.”

Professor Baron added that the welfare of practitioners remained a priority for the organisation.

“The safety and wellbeing of our members and the wider social work profession is something that we take extremely seriously.”

BASW has also reminded members that support is available for anyone affected by the case or by concerns arising from the recent media coverage.